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Garcia worries about violence in native Venezuela

Avisail Garcia can be counted on to bring his aggressive approach, strong bat and a little speed to the White Sox lineup every day in 2014

By Scott Merkin
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MLB.com |

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The wife and infant daughter of Avisail Garcia are with the White Sox right fielder in the United States. But he still worries about the rest of his family and his homeland of Venezuela with ongoing violent protests both for and against socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

"They're far away from that [violence], but I worry about my country because a lot of people die. So that's not good. So let's see what happens. Hopefully everything gets better."

Garcia appreciates the opportunities afforded to him in the United States, but does not let Venezuela get too far out of his mind right now.

"It's tough, because you hear about the fighting ... they don't want the government. Hopefully no more people die," Garcia said. "Venezuela is a great country. If Venezuela is safe, I think it is one of the best countries in the world. A lot of beautiful beaches. A lot of stuff."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.